Wildfire emergency

House on fire

Wildfire fire emergency

Safety First:

  • If the fire is approaching or you are afraid you may be trapped, evacuate now.

  • Report the fire after you are in a safe location.

  • Plan, prepare, and practice before a wildfire occurs. Here is a good wildfire evacuation checklist from FEMA.

Report a wildfire

  • Do not assume a fire has been reported.

  • Report any suspected unauthorized fires by calling 911. If in doubt, report a fire. An early report helps keep fires small.

  • You should be ready to provide the location of the fire by street address or section, township, and range, or directions and distances from known roads or landmarks.

  • Additional information can be extremely helpful. Dispatchers may ask you about:

    • whether any structures or other improvements are threatened

    • the approximate size of the fire

    • the type of fuels the fire is burning and the type of fuels it is approaching (i.e., grasses, brush, forest) 

    • color of the smoke—white, black, gray

    • the type of terrain and access into the fire

    • the time the fire started, as well as who started it, if known

    • information on whether anyone is working on the fire

Evacuation

  • Plan, prepare, and practice before a wildfire occurs. Here is a good wildfire evacuation checklist from FEMA

  • Have a go-bag ready for when an evacuation is necessary. FEMA provides a go-bag checklist you can print.

  • If the fire approach is imminent - open gates and fences for your horses/livestock

  • If you have any concerns, leave early to avoid heavier traffic, decreased visibility, or need extra time due to small children, pets, or physical challenges.

  • If you have time:

    • Close all doors and windows

    • Close heavy drapes

    • Open light drapes

    • Remove combustibles from near the house/decks/propane tanks.

    • Put a ladder up to the roof (for firefighters).

    • Put your hose out so it is available for firefighters to fill water tanks or set up sprinkler systems.

    • Leave power on (so the hose works).

    • Turn propane off.

    • Leave a note that you have left with contact information.

    • Leave the house unlocked.

Arson hot-line 1-800-723-2020. Rewards offered. Rewards of up to $5,000 for information leading to the identification of persons responsible.Report arson

Arson is a crime. To report suspected arson, call your local DNR forestry office, law enforcement, or the Minnesota Arson Hotline at 800-723-2020. Rewards of up to $5,000 are offered for information leading to the identification of persons responsible. You can remain anonymous.

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